2017 John Hobday Awards in Arts Management Winners Announced

The Canada Council for the Arts has announced the recipients of the 2017 John Hobday Awards in Arts Management. Paola Poletto from the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto will receive The Professional Development and Renewal Award, and Holly Bright from the Crimson Coast Dance Society in Nanaimo, BC will receive The Mentorship Award. The $10,000 prizes will be presented at public events this year.

PAOLA POLETTO | IMAGE: CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

Paola Poletto is a manager of studio and group learning at the Art Gallery of Ontario. She has also held positions at the City of Mississauga’s Culture Division, the Design Exchange, and Toronto's Italian Cultural Institute/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy. With her Professional Development and Renewal Award, Paola will be pursuing a certificate program with the International Leadership Program in Visual Arts Management jointly offered and accredited by New York University, Spain’s University of Deusto and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

HOLLY BRIGHT | IMAGE: CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

Holly Bright is the founder, creative director, producer and dance presenter of Crimson Coast Dance Society in Nanaimo, BC. Guided by mentors Starr Muranko and Michelle Olson of Raven Spirit Dance, Holly will undertake a project to assist her in gaining knowledge of First Nations cultural pathways and performances with performing artists and families of the Snuneymuxw First Nations.